Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “attenuator”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,261 records · Page 70

Effect of intermittent standing and walking on physiological changes induced by head-down bed rest

Continuous exposure to gravity may not be necessary to prevent compromised physiological function resulting from exposure to microgravity. However, minimum gravity (G) exposure requirements, effectiveness of passive Gz versus activity in a G field, and optimal G stimulus amplitude, duration, and frequency are unknown. To partially address these questions, a 4-day, 6 degree head-down bed rest (HDBR) study (one ambulatory control day, 4 full HDBR days, one recovery day) was conducted. Nine males, 30-50 yr, were subjected to four different +1 Gz (head-foot) exposure protocols (periodic standing or controlled walking for 2 or 4 h/day in 15 min doses), plus a continuous HDBR (0 Gz) control. Standing 4 h completely prevented and standing 2 h partially prevented post-HDBR orthostatic intolerance. Both walking conditions (2 h and 4 h) attenuated the decrease in peak VO2 and prevented the increased urinary Ca2+ excretion associated with HDBR. Both 4 h conditions (standing and walking) attenuated plasma volume loss during HDBR. It was concluded that various physiological systems benefit differentially from passive +1 Gz or activity in +1 Gz and the duration (2 h vs. 4 h) of the stimulus may be an important moderating factor.

Vernikos, J.↗

Microphone Corrections for Accurate In-Flow Acoustic Measurements at High Frequency

Acoustic analysis of aircraft components through small-scale experiments in wind tunnels requires in-flow acoustic measurements at high frequencies. This high frequency information is shifted to lower frequencies during the geometric scaling process. As a result, models of scale one tenth and smaller require frequency information of up to at least 100 kHz to resolve the midpoint of the full-scale equivalent audible range. Farfield acoustic measurements of frequencies higher than 100 kHz are prohibitively difficult to make due to the physical limitations of atmospheric propagation over large distances and the delicacy of the required instruments. Even measurements up to 100 kHz require special corrections and calibration procedures to maintain sufficient accuracy. In-flow microphone measurements at high frequencies require additional consideration due to the presence of the aerodynamic microphone forebody which protects the microphone diaphragm from flow impingement. The screen located at the forebody surface attenuates the high frequency acoustic waves and must be accounted for. The purpose of this paper is to present procedures for calibrating and correcting high frequency acoustic measurements to retain high accuracy. Specifically, this paper gives calibration procedures and examples of typical data for calibrating or correcting for five physical effects. These effects include the frequency response of the entire acoustic data acquisition system, intrusion of the microphone into the acoustic field, forebody screen attenuation, directionality of microphone forebody response and atmospheric absorption.

Allen, Christopher S.↗

Aerosol Profile Retrievals from Integrated Dual Wavelengths Space Lidar ESSP3-CENA and Spectral Radiance MODIS Data

The ESSP3-CENA space mission (formally PICASSO-CENA) will provide continues global observations with a two wavelength lidar. The attenuated backscattering coefficients measured by the lidar, have valuable information about the vertical distribution of aerosol particles and their sizes. However the information cannot be mapped into unique aerosol physical properties. Infinite number of physical solutions with different attenuations through the atmosphere can reconstruct the same two wavelength backscattered profile measured from space. Spectral radiance measured by MODIS simultaneously with the ESSP3 data can constrain the problem and resolve this ambiguity to a large extent. Sensitivity study shows that inversion of the integrated MODIS+ESSP3 data can derive the vertical profiles of the fine and coarse modes mixed in the same atmospheric column in the presence of moderate calibration uncertainties and electronic noise (approx. 10%). We shall present the sensitivity study and results from application of the technique to measurements in the SAFARI-2000 and SHADE experiments.

Kaufman, Yoram↗

TOMS UV Algorithm: Problems and Enhancements

Satellite instruments provide global maps of surface ultraviolet (UV) irradiance by combining backscattered radiance measurements with radiative transfer models. The models are limited by uncertainties in input parameters of the atmosphere and the surface. We evaluate the effects of possible enhancements of the current Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) surface UV irradiance algorithm focusing on effects of diurnal variation of cloudiness and improved treatment of snow/ice. The emphasis is on comparison between the results of the current (version 1) TOMS UV algorithm and each of the changes proposed. We evaluate different approaches for improved treatment of pixel average cloud attenuation, with and without snow/ice on the ground. In addition to treating clouds based only on the measurements at the local time of the TOMS observations, the results from other satellites and weather assimilation models can be used to estimate attenuation of the incident UV irradiance throughout the day. A new method is proposed to obtain a more realistic treatment of snow covered terrain. The method is based on a statistical relation between UV reflectivity and snow depth. The new method reduced the bias between the TOMS UV estimations and ground-based UV measurements for snow periods. The improved (version 2) algorithm will be applied to re-process the existing TOMS UV data record (since 1978) and to the future satellite sensors (e.g., Quik/TOMS, GOME, OMI on EOS/Aura and Triana/EPIC).

Krotkov, Nickolay↗

Signal Characterization for TDRSS Support of Range Safety

This work involves the analysis of signal attenuation using the NASA Tracking and Data Relay Satellite/Space Network to provide range safety and flight termination system support for expendable launch vehicles and the space shuttle. We found that at least one of the two operational TDRSS satellites could provide flight termination operating at about 250bps. Lowering the data rate could provide a larger link margin. The other satellite's signal would be attenuated below an acceptable link margin due to rocket exhaust. Lowering the data rate could provide a larger link margin.

Kozaitis, Sam↗

Exercise Versus +Gz Acceleration Training

Decreased working capacity and "orthostatic" intolerance are two major problems for astronauts during and after landing from spaceflight in a return vehicle. The purpose was to test the hypotheses that (1) supine-passive-acceleration training, supine-interval-exercise plus acceleration training, and supine exercise plus acceleration training will improve orthostatic tolerance (OT) in ambulatory men; and that (2) addition of aerobic exercise conditioning will not influence this enhanced OT from that of passive-acceleration training. Seven untrained men (24-38 yr) underwent 3 training regimens (30 min/d x 5d/wk x 3wk on the human-powered centrifuge - HPC): (a) Passive acceleration (alternating +1.0 Gz to 50% Gzmax); (b) Exercise acceleration (alternating 40% - 90% V02max leg cycle exercise plus 50% of HPCmax acceleration); and (c) Combined intermittent exercise-acceleration at 40% to 90% HPCmax. Maximal supine exercise workloads increased (P < 0.05) by 8.3% with Passive, by 12.6% with Exercise, and by 15.4% with Combined; but maximal V02 and HR were unchanged in all groups. Maximal endurance (time to cessation) was unchanged with Passive, but increased (P < 0.05) with Exercise and Combined. Resting pre-tilt HR was elevated by 12.9% (P < 0.05) only after Passive training, suggesting that exercise training attenuated this HR response. All resting pre-tilt blood pressures (SBP, DBP, MAP) were not different pre- vs. post-training. Post-training tilt-tolerance time and HR were increased (P < 0.05) only with Passive training by 37.8% and by 29.1%, respectively. Thus, addition of exercise training attenuated the increased Passive tilt tolerance. Resting (pre-tilt) and post-tilt cardiac R-R interval, stroke volume, end-diastolic volume, and cardiac output were all uniformly reduced (P < 0.05) while peripheral resistance was uniformly increased (P < 0.05) pre-and post-training for the three regimens indicating no effect of any training regimen on those cardiovascular variables. Plasma volume (% delta) was uniformly decreased by 8% to 14% (P < 0.05) at tilt-tolerance pre- vs. post-training for all regimens indicating no effect of these training regimens on the level of vascular fluid shifts.

Greenleaf, John E.↗

Cloud Algorithm Design and Performance for the 2002 Geoscience Laser Altimeter System Mission

A satellite borne lidar instrument, the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS), is to be launched in late 2002 and will provide continuous profiling of atmospheric clouds and aerosol on a global basis. Data processing algorithms have been developed to provide operational data products in near real time. Basic data products for cloud observations are the height of the top and bottom of single to multiple cloud layers and the lidar calibrated observed backscatter cross section up to the level of signal attenuation. In addition the optical depth and vertical profile of visible extinction cross section of many transmissive cloud layers and most haze layers are to be derived. The optical thickness is derivable in some cases from the attenuation of the molecular scattering below cloud base. In other cases an assumption of the scattering phase function is required. In both cases a estimated correction for multiple scattering is required. The data processing algorithms have been tested in part from aircraft measurements used to simulated satellite data. The GLAS lidar observations will be made from an orbit that will allow inter comparison with all other existing satellite cloud measurements.

Spinhirne, J. D.↗

Small Engine Technology (SET). Task 33: Airframe, Integration, and Community Noise Study

Task Order 33 had four primary objectives as follows: (1) Identify and prioritize the airframe noise reduction technologies needed to accomplish the NASA Pillar goals for business and regional aircraft. (2) Develop a model to estimate the effect of jet shear layer refraction and attenuation of internally generated source noise of a turbofan engine on the aircraft system noise. (3) Determine the effect on community noise of source noise changes of a generic turbofan engine operating from sea level to 15,000 feet. (4) Support lateral attenuation experiments conducted by NASA Langley at Wallops Island, VA, by coordinating opportunities for Contractor Aircraft to participate as a noise source during the noise measurements. Noise data and noise prediction tools, including airframe noise codes, from the NASA Advanced Subsonic Technology (AST) program were applied to assess the current status of noise reduction technologies relative to the NASA pillar goals for regional and small business jet aircraft. In addition, the noise prediction tools were applied to evaluate the effectiveness of airframe-related noise reduction concepts developed in the AST program on reducing the aircraft system noise. The AST noise data and acoustic prediction tools used in this study were furnished by NASA.

Lieber, Lys S.↗

Energy Absorbing Seat System for an Agricultural Aircraft

A task was initiated to improve the energy absorption capability of an existing aircraft seat through cost-effective retrofitting, while keeping seat-weight increase to a minimum. This task was undertaken as an extension of NASA ongoing safety research and commitment to general aviation customer needs. Only vertical crash scenarios have been considered in this task which required the energy absorbing system to protect the seat occupant in a range of crash speeds up to 31 ft/sec. It was anticipated that, the forward and/or side crash accelerations could be attenuated with the aid of airbags, the technology of which is currently available in automobiles and military helicopters. Steps which were followed include, preliminary crush load determination, conceptual design of cost effective energy absorbers, fabrication and testing (static and dynamic) of energy absorbers, system analysis, design and fabrication of dummy seat/rail assembly, dynamic testing of dummy seat/rail assembly, and finally, testing of actual modified seat system with a dummy occupant. A total of ten full scale tests have been performed including three of the actual aircraft seat. Results from full-scale tests indicated that occupant loads were attenuated successfully to survivable levels.

Kellas, Sotiris↗

Controlling Electron Backstreaming Phenomena Through the Use of a Transverse Magnetic Field

DEEP-SPACE mission propulsion requirements can be satisfied by the use of high specific impulse systems such as ion thrusters. For such missions. however. the ion thruster will be required to provide thrust for long periods of time. To meet the long operation time and high-propellant throughput requirements, thruster lifetime must be increased. In general, potential ion thruster failure mechanisms associated with long-duration thrusting can be grouped into four areas: (1) ion optics failure; (2) discharge cathode failure; (3) neutralizer failure; and (4) electron backstreaming caused by accelerator grid aperture enlargement brought on by accelerator grid erosion. The work presented here focuses on electron backstreaming. which occurs when the potential at the center of an accelerator grid aperture is insufficient to prevent the backflow of electrons into the ion thruster. The likelihood of this occurring depends on ion source operation time. plasma density, and grid voltages, as accelerator grid apertures enlarge as a result of erosion. Electrons that enter the gap between the high-voltage screen and accelerator grids are accelerated to the energies approximately equal to the beam voltage. This energetic electron beam (typically higher than 1 kV) can damage not only the ion source discharge cathode assembly. but also any of the discharge surfaces upstream of the ion acceleration optics that the electrons happen to impact. Indeed. past backstreaming studies have shown that near the backstreaming limit, which corresponds to the absolute value of the accelerator grid voltage below which electrons can backflow into the thruster, there is a rather sharp rise in temperature at structures such as the cathode keeper electrode. In this respect operation at accelerator grid voltages near the backstreaming limit is avoided. Generally speaking, electron backstreaming is prevented by operating the accelerator grid at a sufficiently negative voltage to ensure a sufficiently negative aperture center potential. This approach can provide the necessary margin assuming an expected aperture enlargement. Operation at very negative accelerator grid voltages, however, enhances ion charge-exchange and direct impingement erosion of the accelerator grid. The focus of the work presented here is the mitigation of electron backstreaming by the use of a magnetic field. The presence of a magnetic field oriented perpendicular to the thruster axis can significantly decrease the magnitude of the backflowing electron current by significantly reducing the electron diffusion coefficient. Negative ion sources utilize this principle to reduce the fraction of electrons in the negative ion beam. The focus of these efforts has been on the attenuation of electron current diffusing from the discharge plasma into the negative ion extraction optics by placing the transverse magnetic field upstream of the extraction electrodes. In contrast. in the case of positive ion sources such as ion thrusters, the approach taken in the work presented here is to apply the transverse field downstream of the ion extraction system so as to prevent electrons from flowing back into the source. It was found in the work presented here that the magnetic field also reduces the absolute value of the electron backstreaming limit voltage. In this respect. the applied transverse magnetic field provides two mechanisms for electron backstreaming mitigation: (1) electron current attenuation and (2) backstreaming limit voltage shift. Such a shift to less negative voltages can lead to reduced accelerator grid erosion rates.

Foster, John E.↗

Optimal Control Design using an H(sub 2) Method for the Glovebox Integrated Microgravity Isolation Technology (G-Limit)

The acceleration environment on the International Space Station (ISS) will likely exceed the requirements of many micro-gravity experiments. The Glovebox Integrated Microgravity Isolation Technology (g-LIMIT) is being built by the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center to attenuate the nominal acceleration environment and provide some isolation for microgravity science experiments. G-LIMIT uses Lorentz (voice-coil) magnetic actuators to isolate a platform for mounting science payloads from the nominal acceleration environment. The system utilizes payload acceleration, relative position, and relative orientation measurements in a feedback controller to accomplish the vibration isolation task. The controller provides current commands to six magnetic actuators, producing the required experiment isolation from the ISS acceleration environment. This paper presents the development of a candidate control law to meet the acceleration attenuation requirements for the g-LIMIT experiment platform. The controller design is developed using linear optimal control techniques for frequency-weighted H(sub 2) norms. Comparison of the performance and robustness to plant uncertainty for this control design approach is included in the discussion.

Calhoun, Philip C.↗

Development of Novel Methods for the Reduction of Noise and Weight in Helicopter Transmissions

Over the 70-year evolution of the helicopter, man's understanding of vibration control has greatly increased. However, in spite of the increased performance, the extent of helicopter vibration problems has not significantly diminished. Crew vibration and noise remains important factors in the design of all current helicopters. With more complex and critical demands being placed on aircrews, it is essential that vibration and noise not impair their performance. A major source of helicopter cabin noise (which has been measured at a sound pressure level of over 100 dB) is the gearbox. Reduction of this noise has been a goal of NASA and the U.S. Army. Gear mesh noise is typically in the frequency range of 1000 to 3000 Hz, a range important for speech. A requirement for U.S. Army/NASA Advanced Rotorcraft Transmission project has been a 10-dB reduction compared to current designs. A combined analytical/experimental effort has been underway, since the end of the 80's, to study effects of design parameters on noise production. The noise generated by the gear mesh can be transmitted to the surrounding media through the bearings that support the gear shaft. Therefore, the use of fluid film bearings instead of rolling element bearings could reduce the transmission noise by 10 dB. In addition, the fluid film bearings that support the gear shaft can change the dynamics of the gear assembly by providing damping to the system and by being softer than rolling element bearings. Wave bearings can attenuate, and filter, the noise generated by a machine component due to the dynamic stiffness and damping coefficients. The attenuation ratio could be as large as 35-40 dB. The noise components at higher frequencies than a synchronous frequency can be almost eliminated.

Dimofte, Florin↗

Retrievals of Profiles of Fine And Coarse Aerosols Using Lidar And Radiometric Space Measurements

In couple of years we expect the launch of the CALIPSO lidar spaceborne mission designed to observe aerosols and clouds. CALIPSO will collect profiles of the lidar attenuated backscattering coefficients in two spectral wavelengths (0.53 and 1.06 microns). Observations are provided along the track of the satellite around the globe from pole to pole. The attenuated backscattering coefficients are sensitive to the vertical distribution of aerosol particles, their shape and size. However the information is insufficient to be mapped into unique aerosol physical properties and vertical distribution. Infinite number of physical solutions can reconstruct the same two wavelength backscattered profile measured from space. CALIPSO will fly in formation with the Aqua satellite and the MODIS spectro-radiometer on board. Spectral radiances measured by MODIS in six channels between 0.55 and 2.13 microns simultaneously with the CALIPSO observations can constrain the solutions and resolve this ambiguity, albeit under some assumptions. In this paper we describe the inversion method and apply it to aircraft lidar and MODIS data collected over a dust storm off the coast of West Africa during the SHADE experiment. It is shown that the product of the single scattering albedo, omega, and the phase function, P, for backscattering can be retrieved from the synergism between measurements avoiding a priori hypotheses required for inverting lidar measurements alone. The resultant value of (omega)P(180 deg.) = 0.016/sr are significantly different from what is expected using Mie theory, but are in good agreement with recent results obtained from lidar observations of dust episodes. The inversion is robust in the presence of noise of 10% and 20% in the lidar signal in the 0.53 and 1.06 pm channels respectively. Calibration errors of the lidar of 5 to 10% can cause an error in optical thickness of 20 to 40% respectively in the tested cases. The lidar calibration errors cause degradation in the ability to fit the MODIS data. Therefore the MODIS measurements can be used to identify the calibration problem and correct for it. The CALIPSO-MODIS measurements of the profiles of fine and coarse aerosols, together with CALIPSO measurements of clouds vertical distribution, is expected to be critically important in understanding aerosol transport across continents and political boundaries, and to study aerosol-cloud interaction and its effect on precipitation and global forcing of climate.

Kaufman, Yoram↗

Noise Generation by Fans with Supersonic Tip Speeds

Fan noise continues to be a significant issue for commercial aircraft engines and there still exists a requirement for improved understanding of the fundamental issues associated with fan noise source mechanisms. At the present time, most of the prediction methods identify the dominant acoustic sources to be associated with the stator vanes or blade trailing edges which are downstream of the fan face. However recent studies have shown that acoustic waves are significantly attenuated as they propagate upstream through a rotor, and if the appropriate corrections are applied, sound radiation from the engine inlet is significantly underpredicted. The prediction models can only be applied to fans with subsonic tip speeds. In contrast, most aircraft engines have fan tip speeds which are transonic and this implies an even higher attenuation for upstream propagating acoustic waves. Consequently understanding how sound propagates upstream through the fan is an important, and not well understood phenomena. The objective of this study is to provide improved insight into the upstream propagation effects through a rotor which are relevant to full scale engines. The focus of this study is on broadband fan noise generated by boundary layer turbulence interacting with the trailing edges of the fan blades. If this source mechanism is important upstream of the fan, the sound must propagate upstream through a transonic non uniform flow which includes large gradients and non linearities. Developing acoustic propagation models in this type of flow is challenging and currently limited to low frequency applications, where the frequency is of the same order as the blade passing frequency of the fan. For trailing edge noise, much higher frequencies are relevant and so a suitable approach needs to be developed, which is not limited by an unacceptably large computational effort. In this study we are in the process of developing a computational method which applies for the high frequencies of interest, and allows for any type of flow field associated with the fan. In this progress report the approach to be used and the basic equations will be presented. Some initial results will be given, but these are preliminary and need further verification.

Glegg, Stewart↗

Interannual Variability of the Tropical Water Cycle: Capabilities in the TRMM Era and Challenges for GPM

Considerable uncertainty surrounds the issue of whether precipitation over the tropical oceans (30" NE) systematically changes with interannual sea-surface temperature (SST) anomalies that accompany El Nino (warm) and La Nina (cold) events. Although it is well documented that El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events with marked SST changes over the tropical oceans, produce significant regional changes in precipitation, water vapor, and radiative fluxes in the tropics, we still cannot yet adequately quantify the associated net integrated changes to water and heat balance over the entire tropical oceanic or land sectors. Robertson et al., [2001 GRL] for example, showed that substantial disagreement exists among contemporary satellite estimates of interannual variations in tropical rainfall that are associated with SST changes. Berg et al., [2002 J. Climate] have documented the distinct differences between precipitation structure over the eastern and western Pacific ITCZ and noted how various satellite precipitation algorithms may respond quite differently to ENSO modulations of these precipitation regimes. Resolving this uncertainty is important since precipitation and latent heat release variations over land and ocean sectors are key components of the tropical heat balance in its most aggregated form. Rainfall estimates from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR) averaged over the tropical oceans have not solved this issue and, in fact, show marked differences with estimates from two TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) passive microwave algorithms. In this paper we will focus on findings that uncertainties in microphysical assumptions necessitated by the single-frequency PR measurement pose difficulties for detecting climate-related precipitation signals. Recent work has shown that path-integrated attenuation derived from the effects of precipitation on the radar return from the ocean surface exhibits interannual variability that agrees closely with the TMI time series, yet the PR rainfall interannual variability (and attenuation derived predominantly from reflectivity) differs even in sign. We will explore these apparent inconsistencies and detail their impact on estimates of how ENSO events perturb the tropical rainfall. We will place these results in perspective by considering requirements for precipitation accuracy for global climate variability and change studies involving ENSO, monsoon dynamics and variations, and climate model improvement and validation. The discussion will conclude with an assessment of the implications of these findings for Global Precipitation Mission (GPM) requirements.

Robertson, Franklin R.↗

Analysis and Modeling of Jovian Radio Emissions Observed by Galileo

Our studies of Jovian radio emission have resulted in the publication of five papers in refereed journals, with three additional papers in progress. The topics of these papers include the study of narrow-band kilometric radio emission; the apparent control of radio emission by Callisto; quasi-periodic radio emission; hectometric attenuation lanes and their relationship to Io volcanic activity; and modeling of HOM attenuation lanes using ray tracing. A further study of the control of radio emission by Jovian satellites is currently in progress. Abstracts of each of these papers are contained in the Appendix. A list of the publication titles are also included.

Menietti, J. D.↗

Plumes and Blooms: Observations, Analysis and Modeling for SIMBIOS

The goal of the Plumes and Blooms (PnB) project is to develop, validate and apply to imagery state-of-theart ocean color algorithms for quantifying sediment plumes and phytoplankton blooms for the Case I1 environment of the Santa Barbara Channel. We conduct monthly to twice-monthly transect observations across the Santa Barbara Channel to develop an algorithm development and product validation data set. The PnB field program started in the summer of 1996. At each of the 7 PnB stations, a complete verification bio-geo-optical data set is collected. Included are redundant measures of apparent optical properties (remote sensing reflectance and diffuse attenuation spectra), as well as in situ profiles of spectral absorption, beam attenuation and backscattering coefficients. Water samples are analyzed for component in vivo absorption spectra, fluorometric chlorophyll, phytoplankton pigment (by the SDSU CHORS laboratory), and inorganic nutrient concentrations (Table 1). A primary goal is to use the PnB field data set to objectively tune semi-analytical models of ocean color for this site and apply them using available satellite imagery (SeaWiFS and MODIS). In support of this goal, we have also been addressing SeaWiFS ocean color and AVHRR SST imagery (Otero and Siegel, 2003). We also are using the PnB data set to address time/space variability of water masses in the Santa Barbara Channel and its relationship to the 1997/1998 El Niiio. However, the comparison between PnB field observations and satellite estimates of primary products has been disappointing. We find that field estimates of water-leaving radiance, LwN(h), correspond poorly to satellite estimates for both SeaWiFS and MODIS local area coverage imagery. We believe this is due to poor atmospheric correction due to complex mixtures of aerosol types found in these near-coastal regions. Last, we remain active in outreach activities.

Siegel, D. A.↗

Propagation Characteristics of Finite Ground Coplanar Waveguide on Si Substrates With Porous Si and Polyimide Interface Layers

Measured and modeled propagation characteristics of Finite Ground Coplanar (FGC) waveguide fabricated on a 15 ohm-cm Si substrate with a 23 micron thick, 68% porous Si layer and a 20 micron thick polyimide interface layer are presented for the first time. Attenuation and effective permittivity as function of the FGC geometry and the bias between the center conductor and the ground planes are presented. It is shown that the porous Si reduces the attenuation by 1 dB/cm compared to FGC lines with only polyimide interface layers, and the polyimide on porous silicon demonstrates negligible bias dependence.

Ponchak, George E.↗